Nothing has released the Ear (3a) earbuds today, a budget-friendly model that introduces a feature missing even from the flagship: call and audio recording thanks to 32 MB of built-in flash storage. Priced at $99, the Ear (3a) represents a significant upgrade over the Ear (a) from 2024.
Updated design and new pink color option
The design retains Nothing's signature aesthetic, with a smaller case than the Ear (3) and a slightly rounder inner shape. Alongside black, white, and an updated yellow, a new pink variant joins the lineup. Nothing also includes an extra-small ear tip for a better fit.
12mm drivers with LDAC and customizable EQ
The 12mm drivers deliver deeper bass and greater detail, with LDAC support for 24-bit/96kHz wireless audio. A new custom Advanced EQ addresses a gap in the previous generation. Active noise cancellation reaches 45 dB across a broader frequency range, offering about a 17% improvement.
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Audio Snapshot: the killer recording feature
The standout feature is the 32MB flash memory enabling Audio Snapshot. A double pinch starts and stops recording whatever you are listening to, not ambient sound. The clip appears in the Nothing X app for playback, editing, and transcription. Call recording is supported for up to 2 hours, with a privacy alert audible to both parties.
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The Nothing Ear (3a) are available today from Nothing's website for $99, €99, or £99, with Amazon availability expected soon. This release shows how affordable earbuds can pack surprising innovations, much like how AI deepfakes went viral at the 2026 World Cup.
To understand how consumer electronics are evolving, exploring companies like Nothing reveals that innovation often comes from unexpected features, not just price.
Source: https://9to5google.com/2026/07/07/nothing-ear-3a-price-features-release
